By Annabel Wykes
Life often feels overwhelming and managing stress can easily slip to the bottom of our priority list. But here’s your gentle reminder: taking a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and re-center is essential for your mental and physical well-being.
Introduction to Yoga and Breathwork
Yoga and breathwork are powerful practices designed to help us navigate life’s stresses and find calm amidst chaos or distraction.Â
While there are countless styles of yoga, each rooted in unique lineages and philosophies, ancient Indian scriptures define yoga as "the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff." This poetic description reflects how our mental chatter—like ripples on a pond—can obscure the clarity beneath. By observing our thoughts, we can begin to uncover what disrupts our inner peace.
At its core, yoga aims to eliminate disturbances, both internal and external, by fostering mindfulness and anchoring us in the present moment. A key element of this practice is breath control, which synchronizes breath and movement to invigorate the body and calm the mind. Even outside of yoga, intentional breathwork can profoundly influence our nervous system, promoting a sense of calm, relaxation and resilience.
The Science of Nervous System RegulationÂ
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, plays a pivotal role in the autonomic nervous system, which governs the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") and sympathetic ("fight or flight") responses. While our sympathetic system evolved to protect us from physical threats in the wild, modern stressors, like looming work deadlines, miscommunication, or a missed train, activate this response just as intensely.
As a result, many of us live in a heightened sympathetic state, with stress hormones such as cortisol peaking throughout the day. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, autoimmune issues, and persistent pain, underscoring the importance of finding ways to reset and regulate our nervous system.
Fortunately, one of the simplest tools for this is something we already do: breathing. Just three minutes of slow, conscious breathing can shift the body from a stressed, sympathetic state to a calm, parasympathetic one. This small yet powerful habit helps quiet mental chatter and restores balance.
Breath control isn’t limited to yoga. Activities like meditation, cold-water therapy and mindful movement can also use the breath as a powerful anchor to enhance mental clarity and nervous system regulation.
The Role of CBD in Relaxation
Nature offers additional tools to support our well-being. One such tool is CBD, a naturally occurring compound derived from the hemp plant. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in regulating essential functions such as pain perception, sleep, mood, and appetite.
By modulating this system, CBD helps promote balance, much like breathwork. It also supports the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the stress response driven by elevated cortisol levels. Incorporating CBD into daily routines can amplify relaxation and even aid in achieving deeper states of rest and recovery.
Bringing It All Together
Incorporating practices like yoga, breathwork and CBD into your life is a powerful way to reclaim balance and resilience. Start small: set aside a few minutes each day to breathe consciously, explore gentle yoga poses, or integrate CBD into your routine. These tools don’t just help manage stress; they empower you to thrive in a fast-paced world.
So, take a deep breath, embrace the present moment, and give yourself the care you deserve.